Page 191 of Bound By Her

“This heel will be on your balls.”

A violent shudder ran through him.

Satisfied, Adria lifted her foot.

Regan slumped. A shaky inhale.

Loretta’s mouth was slightly agape.

“Well, Regan,” Loretta finally said, recovering, “it appears we have a budding sadist on our hands.” Her voice was smooth, but there was a flicker of amusement behind her eyes. Approval.

Regan lifted his head slightly, face burning.

Loretta’s smile sharpened. “I’d remember that next time you want to imply you can do her job better.”

Her tone was casual, but the weight of it was clear.

Regan swallowed hard.

“Make your way to the door,” Loretta added, waving a dismissive hand. “In the position that Mistress Adria put you in.”

Regan hesitated.

Then, with no other option, he crawled.

Silence rolled around them as they watched his slow, humiliating exit.

The moment the door clicked shut, Loretta exhaled, her demeanor shifting back to something warmer.

“More yourself, huh?” Loretta chided, and Adria blushed.

“I am so sorry, Adria,” she said smoothly. “I did not know he was going to say that.”

Adria’s fingers relaxed at her sides. She willed away the flush creeping up her neck.

“Don’t worry about it, Loretta, it seems we both have our hands full.”

Loretta glanced at the shutting door. “He might be more trouble than he’s worth.”

Adria noticed a troubled look in her friend’s eyes.

“What is it?” Adria asked.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle. You have your own wins and losses to deal with.”

Adria shook her head. “It’s all losses. Whatever I do, I can’t win.”

Loretta hit her with a knowing look. “That’s what love is, darling. It’s not a game to be won. It’s a game where if you put it all on the line, you’ll lose some, but if you are really lucky, you’ll gain as well.”

Loretta brought her in for an embrace, wrapping her arms around Adria’s middle and pulling her in close. Adria melted into the safety of it.

“EsperanCa,” Loretta said into her ear, “remember?”

Hope.

“Call me if you need anything,” Adria said.

Loretta framed Adria’s face. “I can see it in your eyes. Talk to them.”

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